The Marshall Liberal Government will provide $5.3 million to upgrade Noarlunga's Hopgood Theatre to modern standards, in a deal that will see its ownership and management transferred to the Onkaparinga Council.
The deal was accepted by the Onkaparinga Council last night, after a formal offer was put by the Marshall Liberal Government.
"The Marshall Liberal Government has worked hard to find a long term sustainable solution for the Hopgood Theatre and we are pleased that the Onkaparinga Council has agreed to partner with us in this outcome," said Minister Gardner.
"The Hopgood Theatre is an important asset for Southern Adelaide and Fleurieu regions, used by community and touring arts groups as well as many local schools. However the Theatre was insufficiently funded for many years under the former government and now requires significant work to bring its facilities up to standard.
"The Marshall Liberal Government will invest $5.3 million to bring the facility up to modern standards, so that it can continue to serve the community for decades to come."
The upgrade project will be managed by the Onkaparinga Council, who will also take ownership of the facility. While the transfer of the Theatre will come at no cost to ratepayers, it will mean that the Council will take over management and all running costs from the State Government.
Currently the Hopgood Theatre is run by Country Arts SA, which also provides financial support, along with the Education Department, with in kind support from landlord TAFE SA.
Southern suburbs Liberal MPs Steve Murray, the Member for Davenport, and David Speirs, the Member for Black, who have been advocating for a long term sustainable solution, welcomed the outcome.
"The agreement between Council and the State Government will be welcome news both for local ratepayers and taxpayers around our state," said Mr Murray.
"It is a sensible solution that will see the Marshall Liberal Government improve this important asset for our community, and then Council is obliged to provide its services at a high standard for our residents."
Member for Black David Speirs also welcomed the announcement.
"Our local schools use the Hopgood Theatre regularly, and they will join theatre lovers more generally in our community in welcoming this partnership," said Mr Speirs.
"This is another example of the Marshall Liberal Government delivering outcomes for our community, while Labor took the south for granted for sixteen long years."
